A children’s book about the adventures of a loveable hedgehog is set to raise vital funds for charity. The Cathedral Hedgehogs is aimed at youngsters between the ages of four and eight and has been written and illustrated by Philippa Bonomally. It costs £5 and proceeds will be split between East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and the Hedgehog Haven rescue centre, in North Walsham. “I really enjoyed the creative process of writing this book,” said Philippa, 70. “It kept me going throughout lockdown and the idea came when my cousin found a poorly baby hedgehog in her garden. She lives in Cathedral Close. “We took it to the vets and, thankfully, it made a full recovery. That’s what inspired me to write a children’s story. “The main character is a naughty hedgehog called Benedict, born in a compost heap belonging to the Bishop of Norwich. “The book is in two parts and I left him at the top of the cathedral spire at the end of the first story. I then wrote a sequel to get him down! “In the second part, he has to be rescued by a steeplejack and goes on a big adventure, getting into all sorts of mischief and meeting other animals, including more hedgehogs, an owl and a group of singing bats. He also has a scrape with a hungry badger.” The Cathedral Hedgehogs has a Christmassy theme. Two hundred copies of the book have been printed and signed ‘With love from Benedict and Phillipa’. They are available to buy in EACH’s shops in Unthank Road, Norwich, and Cromer. “I’m very proud of it and the black and white illustrations have come out well,” added Philippa, who lives in Costessey, near Norwich. “I’m delighted to be supporting two very special charities. “I love hedgehogs so was keen to support Hedgehog Haven. “As for EACH, it’s hard to think of a better or more worthy charity right here in the heart of our community.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. It has three hospices, including The Nook, in Framingham Earl. Image credits EACH
